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The dos and don’ts of caring for your hearing aids

Proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids is important. It will ensure you to get the most out of your aids, prevent problems and maintain optimum hearing conditions. Here are some guidelines to help you care for them. DO: clean your hearing aids regularly with a dry cloth or tissue. DON’T: get your hearing aids wet. That means no wearing them in the shower or when swimming. If they happen to get wet, dry it off immediately. DO: put your hearing aids in their case when you’re not using them DON’T: wear your aids when using aftershave, hairspray, perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent and so on. They contain chemicals that could damage it. Allow time for drying before putting back on hearing aids. DO: use a moisture protection kit/anti-humidity kit. They help with moisture problems (which can affect performance of hearing aids) and extend life of hearing aids. DO: keep out of reach of pets and visiting grandkids. Dogs have been known to chew them up and if swallowed by either pet or grandkid, can be very dangerous. DON’T: expose your device to extreme heats. Don’t leave them in a parked car, near a heater or wear while using a hairdryer. DO: Store your hearing aid in a safe place that's dry and cool. DON’T: leave your hearing aids switched on when you’re not using them. DO: change batteries often so you won’t be stuck with aids that have suddenly run out of power. DON’T: ever insert anything into the sound outlet as it could damage the receiver. If you can’t clean it properly, ask your hearing professional. DO: remove any earwax that gets into your hearing aid. It could cause permanent damage. Image credits: Getty Images

Hearing

"This is a tragedy": Aussie aid worker killed in Gaza identified

The identity of an Australian humanitarian worker killed in a recent airstrike in Gaza has been confirmed as Melbourne-born Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom. Ms Frankcom, along with three other international aid workers and a Palestinian driver, was killed in Central Gaza while working with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, with video footage posted to social media showing their bodies at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The group were travelling through Northern Gaza into Central Gaza when their vehicle was targeted in an airstrike, Mahmoud Thabet, a Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/australian-aid-worker-killed-in-airstrike-in-central-gaza/69263304-6e35-42c9-bd71-5cea880a4d2b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the Associated Press</a>. They had been distributing aid supplies to civilians in Northern Gaza and were returning to Central Gaza when the airstrike hit them. Staff produced the passports of three British, Australian and Polish workers who perished, with the nationality of the fourth not immediately known – however, all five were clothed in protective gear with the charity's logo on it. It is unclear why the vehicle was targeted, and the source of the strike has not been confirmed. WCK confirmed the attack with a statement: "We are aware of reports that members of the World Central Kitchen team have been killed in an IDF attack while working to support our humanitarian food delivery efforts in Gaza." "This is a tragedy. Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should NEVER be a target. EVER." Frankcom, 44, has engaged in both national and international humanitarian work, and helped provide aid to communities affected by the Blacksummer2019 bushfires in Braidwood, NSW, according to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/australian-aid-worker-killed-in-airstrike-in-central-gaza/69263304-6e35-42c9-bd71-5cea880a4d2b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. She successfully completed a course at Harvard University focusing on Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster in 2021. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC he was concerned by the news. "I'm very concerned about the loss of life that is occurring in Gaza," he said. "My Government has supported a sustainable ceasefire, we've called for the release of hostages, and there have been far too many innocent lives – Palestinian and Israeli – lost during the Gaza Hamas conflict." Image: Supplied

Caring

How to fall asleep without sleeping pills: 7 natural sleep aids that actually work

It’s 3am and you’re suddenly wide awake. Try these seven science-backed strategies to fall back to sleep fast. Give meditation a try As a mindfulness coach, I’m very aware of the day-to-day anxieties and worries that can interfere with a good night’s sleep. One of the most effective natural sleep aids is a quick meditation session to ease yourself out of those stresses. If you’ve never meditated before, you’ll likely find the meditation interrupted by thoughts flashing through your mind. It’s important for you to know that this isn’t a failure on your part, and that you aren’t doing anything wrong. Thinking is just what the brain does, as naturally as lungs take in air. The point is to be non-judgmental yet aware of your thoughts, bodily experiences and breath, moment by moment. Sleep better, feel better! <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/rollers-resistance/27-72435-gaiam-strengthen-stretch-kit?affiliate=GAIAM6O" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This Blackout Sleep Mask from Gaiam</a> will help you feel well rested and renewed. Stop wanting to fall asleep It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Sometimes trying too hard to do something is the very thing that prevents us from achieving it – and that’s never more true than when it comes to falling asleep. Desperately wanting to sleep will only stoke anxieties that will further stress your brain, essentially feeding it the message that it’s not safe to sleep. Throw in those worries about your to-do list at work the following day, and the whole thing can snowball into a panic attack. Try letting go of that feeling that you absolutely must sleep now, and observe your own anxieties for what they are without judgment. When you stop looking at sleep as a goal, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep. Before you climb into bed, set aside 10-15 minutes to help relax your body and mind, with <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/restore-massage/27-73353-gaiam-wellness-acupressure-neck-back-pillow?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this wellness acupressure neck and back pillow from Gaiam</a>. Start a journal If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, pick up a pen and paper (not your phone!), and start writing: simply scribble down an account of what’s going on inside your head. Although there’s no “right” way to journal, you might start by listing the events of your day, and from there, how those events and encounters made you feel. Building this structured picture of your thoughts may help you see that the problem that’s keeping you up at night, and is likely less overwhelming than you thought. Why my insistence on a pen and paper? First off, studies show the simple motor action that’s involved in the act of handwriting has a calming effect. Secondly, the light emitted by laptops and phones isn’t conducive to falling asleep. Find yourself a "3am friend" Some of us are lucky to have a ‘3am friend’, that close confidant you can call up in the wee hours knowing that they won’t hold it against you in the morning. Although it’s great to have someone to talk to when you want to fall asleep, it’s important that the conversation doesn’t just rehash the anxieties that are preventing you from catching shut-eye in the first place. Rather than using the call to seek solutions for those issues, talk about things that calm your nerves, or even have them assist you in deep breathing. It may sound silly, but doing a series of deep, relaxing breaths can help you let go of the troubles that are keeping you wide awake. Take a warm shower Taking a warm shower not only relaxes your muscles and soothes minor aches and pains, but it also raises your core body temperature. As soon as you step out of the shower, your body starts working at lowering that temperature, which is something that normally happens when you’re falling asleep naturally. (That’s why we always feel the need for a blanket when we sleep, no matter how warm it is!) By kick-starting that temperature-lowering process, you’re tricking your body into falling asleep fast. Stretch yourself to sleep Anxiety keeping you up? Research suggests mild stretching can help take the edge off and relax muscles that have become stiff and sore after a long day. We’re not talking intricate yoga poses or acrobatics here, either: Simple stretches like an overhead arm stretch and bending over to touch your toes should do the trick. Ramp up the relaxation potential with a soundtrack of ambient noise at a volume that’s just barely audible. There are plenty of white noise apps that are free to download, but soft music can work as well (so long as there are no lyrics). Just remember, if you’re using an electronic device to play these sleep-promoting sounds, make sure it’s placed screen-down so you’re not distracted by the light it emits. Stretching is healing, and this <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/rollers-resistance/27-72435-gaiam-strengthen-stretch-kit?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strengthen and Stretch Kit from Gaiam</a> is a great way to start. An on-line workout is also included to get you started. Read (or listen!) to something new When you’re struggling with insomnia, it might be tempting to pull an old favourite off the bookshelf. In reality, it’s better to read or listen to an audio book that covers a topic on which you know absolutely nothing. New information, while taking attention away from the stressors that are keeping you up at night, gives your brain enough of a workout to make it tire more quickly than when it’s engaged with familiar subjects and concepts. Again, if it’s an audio book or podcast you’re listening to, make sure the light-emitting side of the device is face down to keep the room as dark as possible. Darkness and warmth play an essential part in the production and maintenance of melatonin, the hormone that plays the central role falling asleep. Image credits: Getty Images This article by Deepak Kashyap originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/sleep/how-to-fall-asleep-without-sleeping-pills-7-natural-sleep-aids-that-actually-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

What if there was a hearing aid that understood your listening intentions?

<div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column">Hearing conversations in noisy environments can be especially hard for people with impaired hearing. Unfortunately, traditional hearing aids adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to processing sounds, regardless of the listening needs of individual users. This may make listening and engaging with others more difficult. Users may also experience a lack of sound clarity and be reluctant to engage in conversations with others.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">Hearing aid manufacturer <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon</a> is taking the next important step on the journey to solve the No.1 challenge for people with hearing loss – hearing speech in noise2. With new groundbreaking 4D Sensor technology, <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-aids/products/intent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon Intent</a> is capable of understanding the user’s listening intentions by recognising what they want and need to listen to, in order to deliver truly personalised support.</div> <div class="column"> <div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">The Brain And Sound</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">Our ears gather the sounds around us, but the true hero in sound processing is the brain, as it is constantly working to make sense of sound. Oticon uses their BrainHearingTM philosophy to develop technology that provides the brain with access to the full sound environment.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">The latest <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-loss/understand-hearing-loss/how-hearing-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BrainHearingTM</a> insights reveal that people’s communication behaviour reflects their listening needs and intentions at a given moment via head and body movements. In conversation, users tend to keep their heads still to engage with a single person or move their heads in a group conversation to engage with different people. When struggling to hear what someone is saying, users are likely to lean in to listen.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">The technology in Oticon Intent understands and adapts to the user through sensors that monitor head and body movements, conversation activity and the acoustic environment. Oticon Intent helps users move beyond just hearing and listening, helping them to communicate and fully engage in life.</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">Ease Of Communication</div> <div class="column"> </div> <div class="column">In challenging, noisy environments, Oticon Intent makes it possible to: <ul> <li>Move through a crowd with seamless awareness, while orienting to the surrounding sounds.</li> <li>Begin chatting with a group of people, thanks to heightened access to voices and balanced background sounds so they are not intrusive, while still accessible.</li> <li>Start an intimate conversation with one person, easily hearing the speaker’s voice amid the noise all around.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50989" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Oticon_Intent_HA_In_Hand_Hero3_KC_1321_Expires_On_2_8_2029_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Engage More In Life “If you have a hearing loss, you can actually protect your brain from cognitive decline by using active hearing aids which enable you to connect with others and let you engage in life to the fullest,” says Thomas Behrens, Vice President of Audiology at Oticon. “You can also enjoy future-proof, next- generation connectivity technology, crafted into the smallest form factor we have designed to date within this category.” Open Up The Digital World Offering easy connection to compatible smart devices through Bluetooth® Low Energy technology, Oticon Intent also enables users to engage in the digital world like never before. It allows a detailed, high-quality sound experience for hands-free calls and delivers direct streaming of music, audio book and much more3. With up to 20 hours of battery life, users will never have to worry about running out of battery. When they need a recharge, they’d simply drop the hearing aids into the charger for just 30 minutes for up to 8 hours of battery life4. Your hearing matters. Take a step towards better hearing by contacting your nearest <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/find-audiologist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hearing care professional</a>. To explore this revolutionary hearing aid that helps users to engage in life like never before, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/oticon-intent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oticon.co.nz/oticon-intent</a> For more information and to find your nearest hearing clinic, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oticon.co.nz</a> *4D Sensor technology only available in Oticon Intent 1 & 2. [2.] Jorgensen, L., & Novak, M. (2020). Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Adoption. Seminars in hearing, 41(1), 6–20. [3.] Hands-free communication is available on select devices. See which hearing aids and devices are compatible here: oticon.co.nz/compatibility. [4.] Expected use time for rechargeable battery depends on use pattern, active feature set, hearing loss, sound environment, battery age and use of wireless accessories. Images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Oticon.

Hearing

The path to better hearing, today

In 1902, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who would very soon become Queen Consort of the United Kingdom alongside King Edward VII, found herself enraptured by a fascinating new device that was fast becoming the talk of Europe. The young princess had been fitted with one of the world’s first portable electric hearing aids, and it proved to be a life-changing success. Back in Denmark, the impact of this event became a clarion call to one Hans Demant, a bicycle manufacturer and purveyor of sewing machines. His wife, Camilla, also suffered from severe hearing loss and so, after a determined journey to London, Hans returned with a precious electric “Acousticon”. Witnessing Camilla’s progress served as a source of inspiration for Hans to extend his assistance to a broader community of individuals suffering with hearing loss, and so he initiated the import of hearing devices from America. In 1904, Hans Demant founded the company that would later become known as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/">Oticon</a>, a name now synonymous with cutting-edge hearing solutions, paving the way for the modern hearing aids we know today and bringing new-found joy to millions worldwide. <h3>Hearing health</h3> Hearing health is a such critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often goes overlooked until problems arise. In New Zealand, hearing issues affect a surprisingly large portion of the population, with a 2022 EHIMA report estimating as many as one in ten New Zealanders are living with hearing loss. Sadly, a lack of awareness can lead to irregular hear- ing check-ups, which in turn leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50616" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/miniRITE_R_H1-2023_RightLeft_C090ChromaBeige_LEDgreen_Speaker60_OpenBassDome_500pctSize_w_shadow_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="642" /></h3> <h3>A new world of sounds</h3> A far cry from the bulky hearing aids of over a century ago that were hailed as a miracle in the press and transformed Queen Alexandra’s life, the pinnacle of today’s devices – such as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-aids/products/real" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon Real™ hearing aids</a> – continue to change the way we experience the world of sound. With their advanced processing capabilities and state-of-the-art technology, Oticon Real can help get back the real sounds of life, precise and optimally balanced, whether it’s the laughter of grandchildren, musical notes or simply the rustling of leaves in the wind. One of the standout features of Oticon Real hearing aids is a unique technology called Deep Neural Network (DNN). This built-in intelligence has learned to recognise all types of sounds, their details, and how they should ideally sound. This means they can instantly adapt to changes, keeping you at your best wherever life takes you. By analysing and adjusting to your environment, Oticon Real hearing aids ensure that they provide what you need to hear. They do this by reducing background noise, which can help enhance speech comprehension and allow you to engage effortlessly in conversations, even in noisy settings. <h3>Connection is key</h3> In today’s digital age, connectivity is paramount, and Oticon Real hearing aids certainly rise to the challenge, offering seamless connectivity to compatible* smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. You can effortlessly stream phone calls, music and other audio directly to your hearing aids, vastly enhancing your listening experience. <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50617" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_Still_Life_miniRITE_R_Wallet_JBS_24873_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="863" /></h3> <h3>Improved quality of life</h3> Perhaps the most significant benefit of Oticon Real hearing aids is their positive impact on your quality of life. Improved hearing can lead to increased social engagement, better relationships and enhanced overall well-being. With the help of Oticon Real, you can participate more actively in social gatherings, make the most of your favourite activities and feel more connected to the world around you. Oticon Real hearing aids aren’t just devices; they are a life-changing gift that allow you to reconnect with the sounds and people you love. No longer are they fit just for a queen; they are readily available to anyone with the need and the longing to be truly present for life’s most cherished moments. For more information and to find your nearest hearing clinic, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oticon.co.nz</a> *For information on hearing aid and device compatibility, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility</a> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50618" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_miniRITE_R_9_colors_lineup_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="125" /> All images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Oticon.

Hearing

Prince Harry’s Christmas message to bereaved military children

Prince Harry dressed up as Spider-Man for a surprise Christmas video for children’s charity for bereaved military children and young people. The Duke of Sussex recorded himself in the superhero costume for Scotty’s Little Soldiers which was played at their annual Christmas party. The theme of the Christmas party was heroes and villains with the children being told the villains were trying to ruin the holiday season by stealing and locking away Santa’s presents. The children were then given challenges to save the day and defeat the villains for presents. "Use your teamwork, your brains, and your brawn and you do exactly that... Find them, and don't let them ruin Christmas,” Prince Harry said in the video. He then went on to tell the children and their families that it was okay to celebrate Christmas despite mourning the loss of their loved ones. “Christmas is a time when we miss our loved ones really, really badly and that’s OK,” Harry continued. “But at the same time, it can be possible to feel guilty for having fun without our parents. But I am here to assure you that our parents always want us to have fun, OK? So don’t feel guilty. “You are allowed to have the best time ever, especially with this Scotty’s Little Soldiers community. Go out there, have the best time, and Merry Christmas.” <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yVImKSa_HVE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Scotty’s Little Soldiers Founder, Nikki Scott, said it meant a lot for children and their families to hear Prince Harry’s message as he could relate. “It’s incredible for everyone at Scotty’s to have Prince Harry’s continued support,” she said. “He knows what it’s like to grow up without a parent and understands there are certain times of the year that can be particularly challenging. “Christmas is one of those times. We love the fact that Prince Harry not only recorded such a special message but also dressed up as Spider-Man." Image: Scotty’s Little Soldiers

Family & Pets

How satellites, radar and drones are tracking meteorites and aiding Earth’s asteroid defence

On July 31 2013 a <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/fireballs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">constellation of US defence satellites</a> saw a streak of light over South Australia as a rock from outer space burned through Earth’s atmosphere on its way to crash into the ground below. The impact created an explosion equivalent to about 220 tonnes of TNT. More than 1,500km away, in Tasmania, the bang was heard by detectors normally used to listen for <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/asno/Pages/australian-ims-stations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extremely low-frequency sounds</a> from illegal tests of nuclear weapons. These were two excellent indications that there should be a patch of ground covered in meteorites somewhere north of Port Augusta. But how could we track them down? My colleagues and I who work on the <a href="https://dfn.gfo.rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Desert Fireball Network (DFN)</a>, which tracks incoming asteroids and <a href="https://dfn.gfo.rocks/meteorites.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the resulting meteorites</a>, had a couple of ideas: weather radar and drones. Eyes in space Finding meteorites is not an easy task. There is a network of high-quality ground-based sensors called the <a href="https://gfo.rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Fireball Observatory</a>, but it only covers about 1% of the planet. The <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/fireballs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US satellite data</a> published by NASA covers a much larger area than ground-based detectors, but it only picks up the biggest fireballs. What’s more, they <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/483/4/5166/5256650" target="_blank" rel="noopener">don’t always give an accurate idea of the meteor’s trajectory</a>. So, to have any chance to find a meteorite from these data, you need a little outside help. Weather radars In 2019, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology started making its weather radar data <a href="https://www.openradar.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">openly available</a> to researchers and the public. I saw this as an opportunity to complete the puzzle. I combed through the record of events from the Desert Fireball Network and NASA, and cross-matched them with nearby weather radars. Then I looked for unusual radar signatures that could indicate the presence of falling meteorites. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=334&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=334&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=334&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=420&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=420&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496384/original/file-20221121-22-iwtkve.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=420&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An annoyed aerial photo showing the locations of the Woomera radar station and the falling meteorites." /></a><figcaption>The Woomera weather radar station captured reflections from the falling meteorites. Curtin University, Author provided</figcaption></figure> And bingo, the 2013 event was not too far from the Woomera radar station. The weather was clear, and the radar record showed some small reflections at about the right place and time. Next, I had to use the weather data to figure out how the wind would have pushed the meteorites around on their way down to Earth. If I got the calculations right, I would have a treasure map showing the location of a rich haul of meteorites. If I got them wrong, I would end up sending my team to wander around in the desert for two weeks for nothing. The search I gave what I hoped was an accurate treasure map to my colleague Andy Tomkins from Monash University. In September this year, he happened to be driving past the site on his way back from an expedition in the Nullarbor. Thankfully, Andy found the first meteorite within 10 minutes of looking. In the following two hours, his team found nine more. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496385/original/file-20221121-16-he3p7h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Photo of several people walking through a desert field looking at the ground." /><figcaption>A field team from Monash University searched for meteorites in the strewn field. Monash University, Author provided</figcaption></figure> The technique of finding meteorites with weather radars <a href="https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/meteorite-falls/how-to-find-meteorites/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pioneered</a> by my colleague Marc Fries in the US. However, this is the first time it has been done outside the US NEXRAD radar network. (When it comes to monitoring airspace, the US has more powerful and more densely packed tech than anyone else.) This first search confirmed there were lots of meteorites on the ground. But how were we going to find them all? That’s where the drones come in. We used a method developed by my colleague Seamus Anderson to <a href="https://gfo.rocks/blog/2022/03/14/First_Meteorite_Found_with_Drone.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatically detect meteorites from drone images</a>. In the end we collected 44 meteorites, weighing a bit over 4kg in total. Together they form what we call a “strewn field”. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496386/original/file-20221121-13-qssltc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An aerial view of a desert field with a black dot (a meteorite) highlighted by a yellow square." /></a><figcaption>A machine-learning algorithm identified meteorites from drone photos. Curtin Uni, Author provided</figcaption></figure> Strewn fields <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maps.13892" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tell us a lot</a> about how an asteroid fragments in our atmosphere. That’s quite important to know, because the energy of these things is comparable to that of nuclear weapons. For example, the 17-metre asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013 produced an explosion 30 times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. So when the next big one is about to hit, it may be useful to predict how it will deposit its energy in our atmosphere. With new telescopes and better technology, we are starting to see some asteroids <a href="https://skymapper.anu.edu.au/news/great-balls-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before they hit Earth</a>. We will see even more when projects such as the <a href="https://www.lsst.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vera Rubin Observatory</a> and the <a href="https://atlas.fallingstar.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)</a> are up and running. These systems might give us as much as a few days’ notice that an asteroid is heading for Earth. This would be too late to make any effort to deflect it – but plenty of time for preparation and damage control on the ground. The value of open data This find was only made possible by the free availability of crucial data – and the people who made it available. The US satellites that detected the fireball are presumably there to detect missile and rocket launches. However, somebody (I don’t know who) must have figured out how to publish some of the satellite data without giving away too much about their capabilities, and then lobbied hard to get the data released. Likewise, the find would not have happened without the work of Joshua Soderholm at Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, who worked to make low-level weather radar data openly accessible for other uses. Soderholm went to the trouble to make the radar data <a href="https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">readily available and easy to use</a>, which goes well beyond the vague formulations you can read at the bottom of scientific papers like “data available upon reasonable request”. There is no shortage of fireballs to track down. Right now, we’re on the hunt for a meteorite that was spotted in space last weekend before <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/science/fireball-asteroid-toronto-new-york.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blazing through the sky over Ontario, Canada</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194997/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Writen by Hadrien Devillepoix. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-satellites-radar-and-drones-are-tracking-meteorites-and-aiding-earths-asteroid-defence-194997" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: NASA

Technology

China’s influence in Myanmar could tip the scales towards war in the South China Sea

The fate of Myanmar has major implications for a free and open Indo-Pacific. An undemocratic Myanmar serves no one’s interests except China, which is consolidating its economic and strategic influence in its smaller neighbour in pursuit of its <a href="https://cimsec.org/chinese-maritime-strategy-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two-ocean strategy</a>. Since the coup China has been – by far – the main source of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-economy-idUSL4N2U721T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foreign investment</a> in Myanmar. This includes <a href="https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/junta-approves-25bn-power-plant-project-backed-by-chinese-companies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US$2.5 billion</a> in a gas-fired power plant to be built west of Myanmar’s capital, Yangon, that will be 81% owned and operated by Chinese companies. Among the dozens of infrastructure projects China is funding are high-speed rail links and dams. But its most strategically important investment is the <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/china-myanmar-economic-corridor-and-chinas-determination-see-it-through" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China-Myanmar Economic Corridor</a>, encompassing oil and gas pipelines, roads and rail links costing many tens of billions of dollars. The corridor’s “jewel in the crown” is a deep-sea port to be built at Kyaukphyu, on Myanmar’s west coast, at an estimated <a href="https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/kyaukphyu-deep-sea-port-poses-challenges-maday-islanders-and-local-fisheries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cost of US$7 billion</a>. This will finally give China its long-desired “back door” to the Indian Ocean. Natural gas from Myanmar can help China reduce its dependence on imports from suppliers such as Australia. Access <a href="https://www.diis.dk/en/research/myanmar-chinas-west-coast-dream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the Indian Ocean</a> will enable China to import gas and oil from the Middle East, Africa and Venezuela without ships having to pass through the contested waters of the South China Sea to Chinese ports. About <a href="https://chinapower.csis.org/much-trade-transits-south-china-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80% of China’s oil imports</a> now move through the South China Sea via the Malacca Strait, which is just 65 kilometres wide at its narrowest point between the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia’s Sumatra. Overcoming this strategic vulnerability arguably makes the Kyaukphyu port and pipelines the most important element of China’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/china-is-financing-infrastructure-projects-around-the-world-many-could-harm-nature-and-indigenous-communities-168060" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belt and Road initiative</a> to reshape global trade routes and assert its influence over other nations. <h2>Deepening relationship</h2> Most of China’s infrastructure investment was planned before Myanmar’s coup. But whereas other governments and foreign investors have sought to distance themselves from the junta since it overthrew Myanmar’s elected government in February 2021, China has deepened its relationship. China is the Myanmar regime’s most important international supporter. In April Foreign Minister Wang Yi said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wang-yi-aung-san-suu-kyi-china-myanmar-diplomacy-d68de69436c1462f647f6475b6315c92" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China would support Myanmar</a> “no matter how the situation changes”. In May it used its veto power on the United Nations Security Council to thwart <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/russia-china-block-un-statement-034542265.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a statement expressing concern</a> about violence and the growing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Work continues on projects associated with the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. New ventures (such as the aforementioned power station) have been approved. More projects are on the cards. In June, for example, China’s embassy in Myanmar announced the completion of <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2022/06/08/feasibility-study-completed-for-myanmar039s-wan-pong-port-improvement-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a feasibility study</a> to upgrade the Wan Pong port on the Lancang-Mekong River in Myanmar’s east. <h2>Debt trap warnings</h2> In 2020, before the coup, Myanmar’s auditor general Maw Than <a href="https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/costly-borrowing-06102020151951.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warned of growing indebtedness</a> to China, with Chinese lenders charging higher interest payments than those from the International Monetary Fund or World Bank. At that time <a href="https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Forty-per-cent-of-Myanmar%E2%80%99s-government-debt-held-by-China-46071.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about 40%</a> of Myanmar’s foreign debt of US$10 billion was owed to China. It is likely to be greater now. It will only increase the longer a military dictatorship, with few other supporters or sources of foreign money, remains in power, <a href="https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/06/23/how-the-coup-is-destroying-myanmars-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dragging down Myanmar’s economy</a>. Efforts to restore democracy in Myanmar should therefore be seen as crucial to the long-term strategic interests of the region’s democracies, and to global peace and prosperity, given the increasing belligerence of China under Xi Jinping. Xi, now president for life, this month told the People’s Liberation Army to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/09/xi-jinping-tells-chinas-army-to-focus-on-preparation-for-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prepare for war</a>. A compliant and indebted Myanmar with a deep-sea port controlled by Chinese interests tips the scales towards that happening. A democratic and independent Myanmar is a counter-strategy to this potential. <h2>Calls for sanctions</h2> Myanmar’s democracy movement wants the international community to impose <a href="https://specialadvisorycouncil.org/cut-the-cash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tough sanctions</a> on the junta. But few have responded. The United States and United Kingdom have gone furthest, banning business dealings with Myanmar military officials and state-owned or private companies controlled by the military. The European Union and Canada have imposed sanctions against a more limited range of individuals and economic entities. South Korea has suspended financing new infrastructure projects. Japan has suspended aid and postponed the launch of Myanmar’s first satellite. New Zealand has suspended political and military contact. Australia has suspended military cooperation (with some <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/sanctions-regimes/myanmar-sanctions-regime" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre-existing restrictions</a> on dealing with military leaders imposed following the human rights atrocities committed against the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41566561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohingya</a> in 2017. But that’s about it. Myanmar’s closest neighbours in the ten-member Association of South-East Asian Nations are still committed to a policy of dialogue and “<a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/11/will-asean-finally-change-its-approach-toward-myanmar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-interference</a>” – though <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/05/malaysian-fm-says-asean-envoy-welcomes-idea-of-engaging-myanmars-nug/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malaysia</a> and <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/11/indonesian-fm-says-myanmar-military-to-blame-for-countrys-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indonesia</a> are increasingly arguing for a tougher approach as the atrocities mount. The <a href="https://myanmar.iiss.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project</a> says the only country now more violent than Myanmar is Ukraine. Given its unique geo-strategic position, self-interest alone should be enough for the international community to take greater action. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-influence-in-myanmar-could-tip-the-scales-towards-war-in-the-south-china-sea-189780" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Australia is investigating whether ex-defence personnel provided military training to China. Would it matter if they did?

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2022-11-09/statement-efforts-recruit-former-adf-pilots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> he had directed the Department of Defence to investigate reports “that ex-Australian Defence Force personnel may have been approached to provide military related training to China”. This announcement comes just weeks after the British Ministry of Defence <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/top-guns-for-hire-british-pilots-training-chinese-military-slammed-as-morally-repugnant-20221019-p5bqvx.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> around 30 of their former military pilots had been delivering flight training services to members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through a company based in South Africa. Marles has <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2022-11-09/press-conference-parliament-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">committed</a> to conducting a <blockquote> detailed examination [of] the policies and procedures that apply to our former Defence personnel, and particularly those who come into possession of our nation’s secrets. </blockquote> He explained there’s a “clear and unambiguous” obligation on current and former Commonwealth officials to “maintain [government] secrets beyond their employment with, or their engagement with, the Commonwealth”. Australia’s highly trained defence personnel are a huge asset to us, as much as our cutting-edge physical assets and technologies. As far as possible, we should ensure these assets are protected. There should also be clear guidelines around how and when privileged information can be employed. <h2>Impending investigation</h2> According to Britain’s Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans James Heappey, their authorities had <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/top-guns-for-hire-british-pilots-training-chinese-military-slammed-as-morally-repugnant-20221019-p5bqvx.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">been aware of the situation for several years</a>. None of the pilots had broken existing British law. The BBC <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63293582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> the British government issued this “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/18/uk-officials-threat-alert-china-attempts-to-recruit-raf-pilots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threat alert</a>” to deter other would-be trainers from taking up similar offers. There’s also an updated National Security Bill currently before the House of Commons, which seeks to “create additional tools” to address security challenges like this one. By comparison, it’s unclear whether any ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel took up Chinese offers to train the PLA, or whether such an action would be considered a violation of the secrecy of information provisions of the Australian Criminal Code. Marles <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2022-11-09/press-conference-parliament-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce is “currently investigating a number of cases” identified by the department’s initial inquiries. This investigation will also seek to determine whether current policies and procedures are fit for purpose when it comes to former defence personnel and the protection of official secrets. Taking such measures has bipartisan support. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/peter-dutton-calls-on-albanese-government-to-tighten-up-laws-to-prevent-adf-personnel-spreading-australian-secrets/news-story/37ee6dc4c585922f7abf98edcc51b7b6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has indicated</a> “if there is a hole in the legislation now, the Coalition will support a change which will tighten it up”. He added that Australia “can’t allow our secrets and our methodologies to be handed over to another country, and particularly not China under President Xi”. <h2>Exposing our tactics</h2> Dutton’s comments highlight an important distinction: while the training of PLA (or any foreign) pilots by ex-ADF personnel may not necessarily constitute a disclosure of official secrets, it still risks exposing the ways in which the ADF is trained to fight to a potential adversary – what are referred to as its tactics, techniques and procedures. There are many exchange personnel from overseas embedded in the ADF (and vice versa). But given the sensitivities involved, these positions are typically restricted to close partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand or Canada. One of the benefits of close cooperation between militaries is that they can then operate more effectively alongside each other in the event of a conflict. But if ex-ADF personnel train the armed forces of potential adversaries, those opponents may be able to use this knowledge to better develop methods of their own to erode Australia’s military advantages. Professor <a href="https://twitter.com/alessionaval/status/1582232133086892032" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alessio Patalano</a> of King’s College London points out that <blockquote> skilled personnel are valued capabilities and this know-how is a national security resource, and for the same reason a potential vulnerability. </blockquote> He further <a href="https://twitter.com/alessionaval/status/1582230651834548224" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> the “reverse engineering of professional skills” has a long historical tradition. That is, personnel undergoing this training would improve their skills, but could also work backwards from the instruction they receive to draw further insights into how the other state might operate in the event of war. For example, in the so-called “<a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2019/december/jump-starting-japanese-naval-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sempill Mission</a>” of British aviators to Japan in the 1920s, British personnel provided detailed instruction to their Japanese counterparts on how to conduct and train for aircraft carrier operations – at the time a brand new and rapidly emerging form of naval warfare. This training mission contributed significantly to the Imperial Japanese Navy’s prowess in aircraft carrier operations displayed in 1941. While foreign governments and intelligence services are always looking for opportunities to obtain classified information about Australia and its partners, the converse is also true. The Daily Express <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1686465/RAF-news-china-uk-nato-raf-pilots-british-security-agencies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> British intelligence services used their knowledge of these recent activities as an opportunity for some pilots to obtain information on the current state of the PLA. The pilots allegedly had first-hand experience flying China’s frontline combat aircraft, and relayed the information to British authorities on their return. <h2>Protecting our assets</h2> Nevertheless, despite the “clear and unambiguous” obligation for former Commonwealth officials “to maintain [Australia’s] secrets”, ex-ADF personnel have been engaged in training foreign militaries for many years. In an interview with the ABC, former Secretary of Defence Dennis Richardson noted his <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-09/ex-defence-secretary-dennis-richardson-adf-members-china/101635972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surprise</a> “at some of the positions that some former ADF officers have occupied in other countries” and expressed his hope the government’s review “goes beyond China”. The most prominent of these figures is <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-14/former-australian-soldiers-caught-up-in-yemen-civil-war/7087566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major General (Ret’d) Mike Hindmarsh</a>, a former Commander of Australia’s Special Operations Command who was subsequently appointed as the Commander of the United Arab Emirates’ Presidential Guard. Australia already has <a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/export/controls/export-controls/export" target="_blank" rel="noopener">export control</a> regulations, which limits the physical export and intangible transfer of controlled military and dual-use goods and technologies. Also, stringent <a href="https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/o-neil-alters-ministerial-sign-off-for-postgrad-students-20220630-p5axwq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">limitations</a> on international students undertaking postgraduate research in Australia on critical technologies were legislated in the last Parliament. However, these measures aren’t being currently being implemented until the government can more clearly define the relevant list of critical technologies. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-is-investigating-whether-ex-defence-personnel-provided-military-training-to-china-would-it-matter-if-they-did-194252" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Trouble

What to do if your hearing aids get wet

Like most electronic devices hearing aids should be kept clear of water but if you do happen to forget to take them off before showering or jumping in the pool, here’s what you should do if your aids get wet. The first step is to switch off your hearing aids and remove the battery. Keeping a wet battery inside your aid can further damage the device so it’s best to throw out waterlogged batteries. However, if that’s not an option carefully dry the battery with a cloth. For the hearing aids, here are some home methods to drying them: <ul> <li>Shake the hearing aids with the battery compartment open to remove any excess water. Leave aids on newspaper to air dry indoors for at least a day.</li> <li>Place wet hearing aids near a lamp can speed up drying process, but do not place too close to light bulb as too much heat can damaged the device.</li> <li>Stick hearing aids into a container of uncooked rice or silica gel. Seal container and leave overnight. Both rice and silica gel can work as a dehumidifier and soak up water.</li> <li>Use a fan or hairdryer on the lowest setting. Only use hairdryer if it has a “cool” setting.</li> <li>Do not ever use high heat to dry the aids like an oven or microwave.</li> </ul> If the above suggestions do not work, contact your hearing aid provider. Your hearing aids aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair and your hearing aid provider can talk to you about options. Image: Getty Images

Hearing

Why Harry didn't end up wearing military outfit to Queen’s funeral

Prince Harry’s uniform has been the subject of heated discussion following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. The former working royal first made headlines after he was spotted in a suit during royal events where Prince Andrew was wearing his military uniform. Despite his father, King Charles III, giving Prince Harry permission to wear his dress uniform at Queen Elizabeth II’s vigil over the weekend, the 38-year-old arrived at Westminster Hall in his morning suit during <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/final-farewell-for-longest-reigning-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monday morning’s service</a>. The prince added his medals to his black suit jacket which he wore while walking in the procession to and from Westminster Abbey during the funeral. But he wasn’t the only one not in uniform, after Prince Andrew was also prohibited from wearing official military dress during the service. The <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-backflip-over-prince-harry-s-military-uniform-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changes to uniform permissions</a> came after the palace announced that only working members of the royal family who hold a rank could wear military uniforms at the funeral, with both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew being excluded from that category after leaving royal life. A source told Page Six last week that Prince Harry was just “prepared to wear whatever his grandmother made plans for”. “He’s focused on honouring her and that’s it,” they said. In a statement, the prince said what he wore wasn’t reflective of his military service. “Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother. His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” During the funeral, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seated in the second row behind King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort. Meghan was spotted wearing a touching tribute to her grandmother-in-law, donning pearl earrings the Queen gave her in 2018. After the service, the couple walked behind the Queen’s coffin, with Prince Harry joining male family members for a procession through London streets ahead of her burial at Windsor Castle. Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Major backflip over Prince Harry's military uniform rules

Prince Harry will now be allowed to wear his military uniform in a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth. According to <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/prince-harry-wear-military-uniform-28003285" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a>, the Duke of Sussex has been given special permission to don his military colours for a lying-in-state vigil staged by Her Majesty’s grandchildren at Westminster Hall. The Queen's eight grandchildren, including Prince Harry and Prince William, will stand on Saturday evening in silence for a 15 minute vigil alongside Her Majesty’s coffin. After disgraced royal Prince Andrew was given special permission to wear his military uniform, it is understood that palace officials stepped in to give Prince Harry the same allowance. A royal source said, “Common sense has prevailed." “It was a ludicrous situation given the Duke of Sussex has served his country and is a highly respected member of the armed forces with everything he has done for veterans." "It is important that the Queen's grandchildren are all made to feel welcome and comfortable as they grieve their beloved grandmother together." Prince Harry and Prince William will be joined by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Zara and Peter Philips and Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, to form the part of the guard of honour. Harry, who served in the British army for a decade including two tours of Afghanistan, had this week been at the centre of a row over whether he would be allowed to wear his Blues and Royals uniform. After <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/harry-responds-to-reports-of-being-barred-from-wearing-military-uniform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously being banned</a> from wearing his military colours, a spokesman for the Sussexes told CNN, "His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." Image credits: Getty Images

News

Harry responds to reports of being barred from wearing military uniform

Prince Harry has responded to claims that he has been barred from wearing a ceremonial military uniform at Queen Elizabeth's funeral. While the Duke of Sussex has been banned from donning the military outfit out of respect, scandal-prone Prince Andrew has been given an exception. While both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew served in the military, neither men are working royals. A Buckingham Palace edict stipulated that only working royals would be allowed to wear military uniforms at events to mark the Queen's death, making many wonder why Prince Andrew was granted an exception after his years of ongoing scandals. US TV network CNN today reported that the prince had issued a statement over the clothing controversy. "Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother," a spokesman for the Sussexes told CNN. "His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." It is likely to leave a bitter taste for ex-soldier Harry, who is proud of his decade in the forces, and who was saddened after being stripped of his honorary military roles including Captain General of the Royal Marines by the Queen after the Sussexes retreated overseas. Prince Andrew joined King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Edward in a suit for the procession of the Queen's coffin through the streets of Edinburgh, in like with the edits of Buckingham Palace. But it has emerged that Andrew, who stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, will be allowed to wear his uniform at Wednesday's vigil in Westminster. However, he is expected to wear a suit for the Queen's funeral on Monday. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

10 items you MUST carry in your travel medical kit

Health concerns are the last thing you want to be dealing with when on holidays, but unfortunately accidents can still happen when we are travelling. This is why a travel medical kit is one of the most important things you will pack. From simple first aid measures to equipment that will help you in instances where something more serious is occurring, a well-stocked travel medical kit is the hallmark of every sensible traveller. Here are 10 items you must include in your travel medical kit. We’ve also included some additional tips at the bottom of the article. 1. Adhesive dressings (Band-Aids) – When travelling we’re particularly susceptible to minor cuts. Adhesive dressings ensure these nicks and scrapes don’t get infected. 2. Antihistamine – These are essential, especially if you’re someone who suffers from allergies, as they allow you to control allergic reactions in foreign environments. 3. Bandages – Use bandages to create support structures for strained limbs, reduce swellings, hold dressings in place, and even as a makeshift sling. 4. Instant cold pack – These handy devices are especially useful when it comes time to deal with any swelling issues or untoward skin reactions encountered abroad. 5. Antibacterial gel – If you’re in a situation when you need a pair of clean hands, antibacterial gel makes it possible without the need of water access. 6. Oral rehydration salts – Dehydration can quickly turn into a big issues overseas, so having a few oral rehydration salts on hand can get you out of a serious bind. 7. Safety pins – The practicality of safety pins knows no bounds, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to keep bandages or slings in place. 8. Thermal blanket – In an emergency situation a thermal blanket can help control body temperature and ultimately avoid the likelihood of someone going into shock. 9. Thermometer – It’s also quite useful to have a thermometer at hand just in case. Go for a digital design that’s easier to read in an emergency situation. 10. Tweezers – If you ever need to remove splinters when you’re overseas or do running repairs to adhesive dressings, a pair of tweezers becomes quite useful. Additional tips and pointers: <ul> <li>Keep you travel medical kit in a dry, cool storage location if possible.</li> <li>Make sure it’s in an easily accessible part of your suitcase or backpack, and make sure everyone you are travelling with knows where to find it.</li> <li>Before you head off, double check the contents of your kit ensuring any creams are up to date, bandages and dressings are properly sealed and all items are working properly.</li> </ul> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/03/teen-saves-flying-sheffield-to-essex-via-germany/">Teen saves money by flying from Sheffield to Essex via Germany</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/controversial-idea-to-shorten-airport-queues/">Controversial idea to shorten airport queues</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/5-ways-to-avoid-being-stuck-in-the-middle-seat/">5 ways to avoid the middle seat on planes</a>

Domestic Travel

Albanese announces $100 million in military aid for Ukraine, pledging support for ‘as long as it takes’

Australia has given Ukraine another $A100 million in military aid, and Anthony Albanese has pledged Australia will continue support for the embattled country “for as long as it takes for Ukraine to emerge victorious”. Albanese inspected devastated areas in and around the capital Kyiv, going to the towns of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit that winds up his trip to Europe. But he did not say when Australia might reopen its embassy in the war-torn country. He has indicated Australia wants to do so as soon as possible, depending on security advice. Albanese, who travelled by train from Poland into Ukraine, met with Zelenskyy for two hours on Sunday, and they held a joint news conference. The latest military aid brings to about $388 million Australia’s total military assistance to Ukraine. Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine’s defence. The new package includes: <ul> <li> miliitary aid worth $99.5 million including 14 armoured personnel carriers, 20 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and other equipment supplied by Australia’s defence industry, plus a contribution to NATO’s Ukraine assistance fund </li> <li> $8.7 million to help upgrade border management equipment, improve cyber security and enhance border operations </li> <li> duty free access for Ukrainian imports to Australia, complementing similar trade measures taken by other countries </li> <li> Australian intervention at the International Court of Justice to support Ukraine’s case against Russia </li> <li> financial sanctions and travel bans on 16 more Russian ministers and oligarchs </li> <li> prohibition of imports of Russian gold to Australia – again in line with partner countries. </li> </ul> “Russia’s brutal invasion is a gross violation of international law,” said Albanese. “I saw first-hand the devastation and trauma it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.” “My visit to Kyiv and recent visits by other world leaders sends a clear message that democratic nations like Australia will stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in their time of need. "President Zelenskyy’s leadership has rallied the Ukrainian people to defend their country and inspired the world to support humanity and freedom. The road ahead is hard but I am confident Ukraine will prevail.” The prime minister described Ukraine as fighting for the international rule of law. “We saw residential buildings that have been the subject of brutal assault from missiles and other weapons,” he said. “Clearly civilian areas have been targeted by Russian forces as part of this illegal and amoral war.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/albanese-announces-100-million-in-military-aid-for-ukraine-pledging-support-for-as-long-as-it-takes-186291" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Images: Twitter

International Travel

Revealed: Australia’s most trusted brands for 2022

Celebrating its 100th year as a global brand, Reader’s Digest has announced the Most Trusted Brands in Australia in its annual survey – and the results even include ANOTHER brand celebrating 100 years! In 2022, Cadbury, certainly one of Australia’s iconic brands, also marks its 100th year – and as winner of the Most Trusted Confectionary Brand for 16 of the past 17 years in the <a href="https://www.trustedbrands.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand</a> survey, Australians clearly believe its chocolates consistently taste amazing. The award-winning brands that appear in the Reader’s Digest 23rd annual survey have stood out among their competitors during the most challenging of times throughout the pandemic, and have continued to build their customers’ trust. “Trust in consumer brands takes years of careful planning, execution and nurturing,” says Reader’s Digest editor-in-chief, Louise Waterson. “But during challenging times, and the past year has been one of the most difficult on record, we’ve seen quality brands live up to their promises to their customers. These brands have been able to win and retain the trust of their customers.” The Trusted Brands survey covers a comprehensive range of products and services across 75 categories, including the new Residential Aged Care category, spanning the separate NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA markets. Brands included in the list to be rated were generated by asking local Australian consumers for their most trusted brands. This question was unprompted to ensure the rating of top brands in each category, as selected by Australians. Each respondent was asked score each brand out of ten, as well as providing comments on their most trusted brand within each category – providing key drivers of trust for consumers. Each category contains one Winner, and two Highly Commended brands. These brands scored higher in their respective categories than the other brands polled. The top 20 winners – that scored higher in their respective categories than the other brands polled – are as follows: Top 20 Trusted Brands of all brands surveyed <ul> <li>1 Dettol </li> <li>2 Band-Aid </li> <li>3 Bunnings Warehouse </li> <li>4 Cadbury </li> <li>5 Woolworths </li> <li>6 Dulux </li> <li>7 Dyson </li> <li>8 Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia </li> <li>9 Cancer Council </li> <li>10 Panadol </li> <li>11 Glen 20</li> <li>12 Twinings</li> <li>13 Bega Cheese</li> <li>14 Dairy Farmers</li> <li>15 Toyota</li> <li>16 Westinghouse</li> <li>17 Bridgestone</li> <li>18 Finish</li> <li>19 Vicks</li> <li>20 Weber</li> </ul> Under each category one winner and two highly commended placings were awarded. To find out who you can officially trust, see the full results of all 75 categories in the May edition of Reader’s Digest or visit <a href="https://www.trustedbrands.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.trustedbrands.com.au</a>

Money & Banking

Morphée review: Will this tiny device help you sleep better?

Sleep is a necessity so often sacrificed, and quality sleep is so hard to achieve when we need it most. As we get older, getting enough sleep is still important, with the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep#aging" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute of Ageing</a> recommending that older adults still aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep. However, pain, certain medications, feeling sick, stress from daily life (or <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-19-insomnia-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">living through a global pandemic</a>) and even conditions such as Alzheimer’s can affect the quality and quantity of sleep we get each night. This is where sleeping aids such as the Morphée have come in. The tiny sleep aid has quickly grown in popularity within its home country of France and 12 other countries, including Australia - which is no surprise considering how many have reported sleeping poorly during the last two years. As one of those people who has experienced poorer sleep lately, I gave the Morphée a try to see how it stacks up. So many choices, so little time Encased in a beech wooden case (which also makes for a handy stand), the Morphée offers over 200 guided sessions to choose from and makes for an aesthetically pleasing addition to the bedside table. The three brass keys allow you to choose one of the sessions from eight modes (from guided meditations to quiet music), eight different options in each mode, and whether it runs for eight or 20 minutes. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/morphee2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Matt O’Rourke You can even choose to be guided by a male or female voice, and start, stop and control the volume of the session from several buttons and switches along the side of the device. If guided meditation isn’t really your thing, the nature soundscapes and selection of music are soothing and varied enough so that you have plenty of choice. The fact that each sound comes from a different location around the world is also a nice touch - the Swedish log fire and purring Burmese cat in a Parisian apartment were definitely my favourites. Does it work? Having tried the Morphée on my own and with my partner, who also struggles to get to sleep, I can say it largely works, but that it involves a decent amount of trial and error. We began with the nature sounds ahead of a mid-afternoon nap, and found that it helped us get to sleep more easily. My partner noted it was easier to focus on the sounds rather than attempt to drift off in silence, and that before he knew it, he was asleep. Next, I tried the specific nap setting with the hope of re-energising with a quick power nap after work. Starting with a four-minute relaxation period, with a soothing voice helping to focus on breathing and sinking into the bed, you can choose between an eight and 20-minute silent nap session ending with nature sounds to wake you up. Initially, I found it hard to focus, but after just a few minutes I was ready to fall asleep. Since I’m a heavy sleeper that only the loudest of alarms can wake, the gentle sounds of nature failed to wake me up, and my 20 minute nap became closer to an hour-long one. With that in mind, having longer napping options and different wake-up settings to choose from might be a good addition for heavy snoozers like me. The same night, we tried a body scan with a visualisation exercise. Unlike other body scans, which draw your attention to various areas of the body, this particular one leaned more towards breathing and visualising a mountain scene. I still found it quite relaxing and that it helped me wind down for the night, but my partner ended up feeling significantly worse than when he got into bed - an experience shared by about <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2251840-mindfulness-and-meditation-can-worsen-depression-and-anxiety/">one in 12</a> people who try mindfulness meditation and particularly by those <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/choosing-your-meditation-style/202006/trauma-informed-mindfulness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who are trauma survivors</a>. So overall, the modes I tried were successful and have left me looking forward to testing the rest, while my partner enjoyed the nature soundscapes and music, but will steer clear of the body scans and other modes with vocal guidance. Sound quality and other notes Although intended for helping you drift to sleep, I found the Morphée was also quite effective as background noise during the day while working or settling in with a good book. Though more of a nitpick than an outright con, the sound was rather tinny when I was using the Morphée’s speakers. Luckily this is only a short-lived problem while you’re falling asleep. Meanwhile, using wired headphones was a whole different situation, and was particularly immersive for the nature sounds. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/morphee1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Matt O’Rourke However, the totally analog technology means that Bluetooth earphones won’t be compatible. I found this made using the Morphée slightly daunting, as I was worried I would fall asleep while listening and run the risk of being tangled up in my headphones. Final verdict Retailing at $149, the Morphée initially feels like a pricey purchase. But after giving it a try, seeing how many options it offers, and its absence of bright screens, it feels like an investment that will be worth it over time, especially when it’s priced similarly to yearly subscriptions for popular apps such as Headspace and Calm. Though it might not be a cure for sleep problems, it works as a tool to help you relax and be more mindful before bed, all while enjoying a better night’s sleep. In summary, here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re looking to try the Morphée for yourself or gift it to someone else: Pros <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Portable and handy protective cover/stand </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Beautiful and functional design </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Plenty of sounds and modes to choose from </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Excellent battery life, helped by the fact it turns itself off </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Can be used for more than just sleeping </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Sounds amazing with headphones </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Makes for a great gift for the poor sleepers in your life </li> </ul> Cons <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The tiny buttons and text might be a challenge for some </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Sound is slightly tinny </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> A setting longer than 20 minutes would be a nice bonus </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Difficult to fall asleep if using wired headphones </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Not compatible with Bluetooth or wireless headphones </li> </ul> The <a href="https://www.morphee.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morphée</a> is available to purchase from Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU, and Temple & Webster for $149. Unfortunately, the Morphée isn’t available in New Zealand yet, but here’s hoping that will change soon. Image: Supplied

Technology

“I regained my confidence socially and professionally”: Why Hearing Australia is promising to make hearing easy this World Hearing Day

When Rachel, a music teacher and professional clarinet player, first noticed changes in her hearing it was pretty daunting. “Sound is everything to a musician,” she explains. Rachel had become increasingly aware of “difficulty in conversations, especially in crowded situations or noisy rooms. Professionally I had great difficulty hearing students speak.” New findings from Hearing Australia’s ‘Hearing Road Test’ survey of Australians indicate that Rachel is not alone. Older Australians have become more aware of changes and symptoms of hearing loss during the last 12 – 24 months of the pandemic. Despite this, only one in four respondents have had their hearing checked in the last year; 78% of older Australians agreed that they would be more inclined to seek help for their hearing if they knew they could trial their hearings aids at home before they made a purchase. However, most respondents didn’t know that this was possible. For Rachel, however, it was the way her Hearing Australia audiologist Kristen was in tune with her life from the very start that made her hearing easy. From her initial hearing assessment and fitting when “Kristen’s bright and cheery personality took the stress out of the situation”, to all of the ongoing support she has since received, Rachel says that Hearing Australia makes her “feel safe and secure”. For Kristen, an audiologist and fellow musician, that’s music to her ears: “As a musician, your hearing is a big deal and so for Rachel to entrust me with her care makes me feel very privileged.” Fellow Hearing Australia audiologist Marc Vandenberg agrees. “Managing your hearing can improve quality of life, and Hearing Australia promises to make hearing easy,” he says. “We know that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision and not something you can do on the spot. To help find the right solution, Australians are now able to ‘try before you buy’ on any of our hearing devices for 14 days*. “This means you can take your device home and test drive it in your everyday life to see how it performs, when you are catching up with loved ones, going shopping or watching TV.” This World Hearing Day, it’s time to manage your hearing your way. Test drive your hearing aids today to find your fit. For more information and to book a hearing test, call Hearing Australia on 134 HEAR or visit <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hearing.com.au</a>. * ”Try before you buy” requires you to complete a hearing assessment (which may incur a fee) before fitting, and is subject to Hearing Australia’s "Try before you buy" conditions. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. Client statements are their own, Rachel received a thank you gift for her time. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hearing Australia</a>.

Hearing

Status Quo baffled by popularity of classic hit

Status Quo are completely baffled by the enduring popularity of their hit track Rockin’ All Over The World. The band covered John Fogerty’s track in 1977, and despite the song also being covered by legends such as Bon Jovi, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen, Status Quo’s version is viewed as the ultimate cover. The song has also become known as one of the band’s most popular anthems, which has long confused the British rockers. Singer and guitarist Francis Rossi said, “I don’t know why ours has become this classic ‘raaaawk’ song. We played [a] Sweden Rock festival and all these people dressed head to toe in black were in front of the stage going, ‘This is great!’ I’m looking at them going, ‘What the f*** are you thinking?’…”“F**k me, even my dental hygienist sent me something the other day to say they were all singing it at some wedding reception.”The band’s late guitarist Rick Parfitt originally brought the track to their bandmates, who were sceptical at the idea of a cover song. Francis recalled, “It sounded a bit piddly, to be honest."“But me and Rick used to joke that we could Quo-up anything with a guitar on it. So that’s what we did…”“Our old fans hated it. We had so much mail going, ‘What the f*** is this?’ But that song brought in loads more new fans.”Despite the song seemingly dividing fans, Francis said he has fond memories of kicking off Live Aid in 1985 with the track.He told Classic Rock magazine, “Nobody wanted to go on first, so we went, ‘F*** it, we’ll do it.”“But when we started playing that song, there was a total sense of euphoria. Everything slotted in. The sense of love from the audience was something else.”Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Royal Family strips Prince Andrew of all royal patronages and military titles

The British Royal Family has removed Prince Andrew’s military titles and royal patronages, meaning the Queen’s second son will no longer be known as ‘His Royal Highness’. The move comes as Andrew fights a lawsuit brought in US court by Virginia Giuffre, accusing him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. Andrew was already forced to step down from public duties in 2019 because of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and after a disastrous BBC interview failed to clear his name. Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the queen. The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.” On Wednesday, Andrew’s lawyers failed to persuade US District Judge Lewis Kaplan to dismiss Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit, and Judge Kaplan ruled that Giuffre could pursue claims that Andrew battered her and intentionally caused her emotional distress while Epstein was trafficking her. Andrew continues to deny Giuffre’s accusations that he forced her to have sex with him. The decision means Andrew could be required to give evidence at a trial which could begin between September and December if no settlement is reached. A source close to Andrew said, “Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling. However, it was not a judgment on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations. This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.” As for the Royal Family’s move to distance themselves from Andrew, the BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said, “This is now about the protection of the royal family’s reputation. This is likely to do, and is already doing, considerable reputational damage – it’s being followed around the world.” Andrew’s military affiliations and patronages will be redistributed to other members of the family. Image: Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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